RIDE OR DIE (THE PRESIDENT'S DAUGHTER)

The Unfolding Game

💘( The Unfolding Game! )✨

THIRTY

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" In this crazy game of life, there's only one thing I know for sure - no matter what hand we're dealt, Juan Carlos Ortiz, you are my always, my forever. "

~ LETTY MORROW to JUICE ORTIZ

☆《》¤

THE ROOM WAS STEEPED IN DARKNESS, the only light came from a nearby streetlamp that filtered through the blinds, casting shadows that danced across the walls. Juice sat on the edge of his worn leather couch, his heart heavy and his mind racing. In front of him lay two photographs, stark reminders of Letty's absence. 

One photo captured the lifeless body of Cameron Hayes with a deep carving on his forehead - a cruel mark left by Letty. Juice felt a sick churn in his stomach as he stared at it, the weight of guilt bearing down on him like a lead blanket. It pained him knowing that Letty was put in a situation where she had to taken another life. 

He wished he found her sooner, or been there to stop her from being taken in the first place, so that burden didn't have to land on her shoulders. He knew how much taking a life effected Letty, the guilt she felt - the self-loathing. He hated that she now had to go through all of that alone, because he simply wasn't quick enough. 

The second photo was more painful, more personal. It showed Letty, captured in a moment of vulnerability and fear, being dragged across the train station, her expression one of desperation. Juice's heart ached as he locked his gaze onto her face, the way her eyes glistened with unshed tears haunted him.

He felt a rush of anger surge through him - not at Letty, but at himself, at the circumstances that had led them to this point, "How did this happen, baby?" he whispered to the photo, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions.

Juice picked up the photo of Letty, brushing his thumb over her image as if he could reach out and pull her back to him, "I should have protected you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I should have been there."

Memories flooded back - her laugh, the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, the warmth of her presence that made Juice feel at home. 

Charming

2008